Gateway Road Reuse and Recycling Centre is now closed.
Nearly half of north Londoners believe distance or not having access to a car is a barrier to visiting their local reuse and recycling centre – despite them being closer than you think!
A YouGov survey commissioned by North London Waste Authority shows that while 85% of residents have visited a centre at some point, more than two thirds are unaware there are eight to pick from across seven boroughs.
The majority of people surveyed said they go once or twice a year, most commonly to dispose of large household items or small appliances using a car.
This is despite seven of north London’s reuse and recycling centres having pedestrian and bike access. Hornsey Street in Islington instead has a pedestrian drop-off point.
North London Waste Authority has launched a campaign encouraging residents to make a small journey to have a big environmental impact.
Posters have been put up at bus stops across north London directing residents to their closest centre and highlighting the small items which can easily be recycled there – from cables and electricals to batteries and light bulbs.
Cllr Clyde Loakes, Chair of NLWA, said: “Many of our reuse and recycling centres are closer than you think to public transport links, with access for pedestrians, cyclists and cargo bikers.
“We’re committed to listening to residents and providing them with the opportunities and facilities they need to dispose of their waste responsibly and conveniently, which is why we have already removed the pre-booking system for cars.
“If we want to combat the climate emergency we must all adapt our everyday behaviours, starting with recycling and repairing what we can and making disposal the last resort. Visiting our centres regularly to get rid of your unwanted items doesn’t need to be a big journey, but it can have a big impact on the environment.”
